Southeast Missouri State football team had big moments in loss to EIU

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Southeast Missouri State football team had numerous bright spots during the 55-33 setback at Eastern Illinois, the nation's third-ranked FCS squad Saturday.

Two of the biggest highlights for the Redhawks were the first career 100-yard rushing performance by sophomore tailback DeMichael Jackson and their first blocked punt returned for a touchdown since the 2009 season opener against Quincy.

Also near the top of the list was intercepting EIU All-American senior quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo twice -- both in the second half -- after he had been picked off only four times previously this season, and junior Spencer Davis' 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 1:26 left in the game.

Jackson, who received just seven carries as a true freshman last year, entered Saturday's contest as Southeast's second-leading rusher with 214 yards while averaging 3.8 yards per carry.

Jackson, thanks to first-half runs of 43, 27 and 27 yards, had 111 yards on 11 carries by the intermission against the Panthers. He finished with 126 yards on 14 attempts.

"I did all the easy work. The guys up front did all the hard work," Jackson said.

Jackson's career-long 43-yard run highlighted Southeast's 67-yard touchdown drive on its third possession, cutting EIU's lead to 14-6.

Jackson later had two 27-yard runs on the same drive, capping the 61-yard march with a 27-yard score for his first collegiate touchdown that cut the deficit to 41-20 with just over six minutes left in the opening half.

"It [the touchdown] felt good. It's a blessing," Jackson said.

Said Southeast coach Tony Samuel: "He had some really good runs. He's making progress."

The blocked punt return took place with the score 34-6 early in the second quarter.

Junior linebacker David Smart came up with the block, and cornerback Justin Elias took it untouched to the end zone.

"The guys on special teams, we always talk about making plays," Elias said. "It was a real exciting moment."

Elias, after scoring his first Southeast touchdown, also recorded his first interception during his rookie season with the Redhawks.

Elias, who had primarily played on special teams this year, saw extensive second-half action at cornerback with senior Cantrell Andrews on the sideline.

"After our senior went down, I told him I've got his back," Elias said.

The pick by Elias came with about nine minutes left in the game, after another junior college transfer -- starting safety Ron Davis -- recorded his first Southeast interception late in the third quarter.

Southeast ended the day with a flurry after EIU went ahead 55-20.

Spencer Davis, who has come close to scoring a few times on returns during his Southeast career, finally got his first return touchdown. The 93-yarder was the third-longest in program history. Davis needs just four more yards to break the school's all-time career kick return yardage record.

"I've been waiting on that," Davis said about the return TD. "A lot of good blocks set that up."

Ron Davis recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and Southeast got a 12-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Scott Lathrop to sophomore wide out Paul McRoberts with 1:05 remaining to close out the day's scoring.

Noteworthy

* Lathrop completed 15 of 22 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions as Southeast did not have a turnover while EIU committed three turnovers, all in the second half.

Lathrop rushed for just 28 yards on 18 attempts, including two sacks.

* McRoberts caught seven passes for 61 yards while Davis added five receptions for 41 yards.

* Redshirt freshman linebacker Roper Garrett continued his strong play with a career-high 12 tackles.